Study of the effects of rising energy prices on the low and moderate income elderly
Impacts of rising energy costs on low and moderate income elderly are assessed, including effects on income and expenditures, housing, and transportation. In the US the elderly poor consume less energy than any other age-income group, but they spend a higher proportion of their total budget on energy. Higher energy costs have adversely affected the cost and quality of care for the elderly in nursing homes. This study shows that natural gas, which is used predominantly for home heating, cooking, and water heating, is an essential energy source for the elderly. Concerning transportation expenditures, lower income households spend a smaller portion of their budgets on transportation than other households. The elderly in New England and Middle Atlantic states were affected the most by energy price increases, while the south and southwest felt the impact of energy costs the least. Certain policies to alleviate impacts are recommended: (1) the establishment of a separate Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the elderly; (2) automatic CPI increases in Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits; (3) an evaluation of potential impacts on the elderly of taxing energy sources to achieve energy conservation; (4) the development of mass transit facilities; (5) an adjustment of utilities' rate structures; and (6) greater assistance for improving housing conditions of the elderly.
- Research Organization:
- Federal Energy Administration, Washington, D.C. (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 7366613
- Report Number(s):
- FEA-242-E
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Rising energy prices and the elderly
Energy-related attitudes and behavior of the poor and the elderly: highlight report. Volume XIII
Related Subjects
290200* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
ADULTS
AGE GROUPS
BUDGETS
BUILDINGS
ECONOMIC POLICY
ECONOMICS
ENERGY
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY POLICY
ENERGY SHORTAGES
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
HOUSES
INCOME
NATURAL GAS
NORTH AMERICA
RECOMMENDATIONS
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
USA